'Growth rather than inflation Bank of England's focus'

UK consumer prices inflation remained unchanged at 2.7% in November, according to official data.

The fastest price rises were seen in the cost of fruit, bread and cereals, as well as in energy bills, the Office for National Statistics said.

Chief economist at the financial information company Markit, Chris Williamson, told BBC News that the Bank has tolerated the elevated inflation rate because of the depressed state of the economy, and inflation is expected to increase further next year.